Leading studio equipment developer Focusrite has just been confirmed as the latest brand to sign up in support of the Pro Sound Awards, to be held at the Ministry of Sound on 19 September 2013.

The lobbying period for the awards began just under two weeks ago and will remain open until the end of May. Focusrite will be sponsoring the three awards in the ‘Studio’ segment of the event: Engineer of the Year; Recording Production of the Year; and Studio of the Year.

The Awards will cover the spectrum of pro-audio, recognising excellence in the four sectors of Live/Touring, Studio, Installed Sound and Broadcast Audio, along with for special awards for Rising Star, Marketing Campaign/Initiative of the Year, Grand Prix and Lifetime Achievement. Sennheiser, DiGiCo and Fineline Media Finance are already onboard as sponsors.

Focusrite has just cracked the top 50 in the company’s second year on The Sunday Times' list of best small companies to work for. Last year, it ranked number 68 of the list’s top 100 firms, but leapt to 44th position in 2013. The ranking is based on a confidential survey of over 240,000 employees at businesses with between 50 and 249 employees.

Focusrite chairman Phil Dudderidge commented: “We strive to make Focusrite the best company to work for for each and every employee. That means plenty of opportunity for career development, an inspiring work environment, and the occasional party too!"

Novation – the brand acquired by Focusrite in 2004 – is currently celebrating its 21st birthday with the launch of Bass Station II – a powerful analogue synth made for monophonic bass and lead lines. The original 1993 BassStation (no space!) was designed by Chris Huggett of EDP Wasp and OSCar fame: this two-octave synth/controller, along with Novation’s 1992 MM-10 keyboard for Yamaha’s ‘Walkstations’, set a new standard for portable MIDI controllers at the time.

Focusrite announced at the NAMM show in January that its RedNet Ethernet-based interfacing system was finally shipping, after a prolonged but rigorous period of testing.

“It’s excellent news that such an established but dynamic brand like Focusrite is joining us in September – there could hardly be anyone more apt to sponsor the ‘Studio’ sector,” said PSNEurope editor Dave Robinson. “Phil and company have lent support to several prestigious events outside the usual marketing channels in the past – electronic music festivals as well as gong-giving ceremonies spring to mind – so we’re thrilled that he and his team recognise what a significant night the Pro Sound Awards will be.”

More information about the awards categories, eligibility and so on, is available on the lobbying page.

Northamptonshire-based asset finance specialist Medialease has been confirmed as the sponsor of the ‘Live/Touring’ categories at the Pro Sound Awards, to be held at the world famous Ministry of Sound in September.

Campaigning industry body BEIRG, the British Entertainment Industry Radio Group, will collect the trophy at Intent Media’s pro-audio celebration night, to be held at the Ministry of Sound on 19 September.